A Hurricane Watch has been declared for the entire coast of Belize effective today Monday.

This means that a tropical cyclone threatens the country of Belize and it is likely to make landfall within 36 to 48 hours. One red flag with a black centre is to be flown at all signal centres throughout the country.  

Prime Minister Belize Briceno and the Chairman of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), advised residents to put their individual emergency disaster plans into effect, including preparations to voluntarily relocate to safe shelters if necessary.  

“Public and private essential agencies, utility companies, and non-essential agencies must immediately implement plans of action, including the closure of schools, securing of workstations, the release of workers, and the securing of ports of entry. All businesses should implement their disaster plans,” he said.

He said NEMO must be prepared to open adequate shelters wherever necessary and to conduct Search and Rescue operations where lives are at risk. 

Tropical Storm is predicted to approach the coast of Belize late Wednesday with landfall possible on Belize late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.  

According to reports, strengthening is expected and Lisa is expected to be a category 1 hurricane by landfall on the country. 

“The system will bring heavy rainfall to the country starting Wednesday and continuing through Thursday which will result in flooding across low-lying and flood-prone areas of the country as the ground is already saturated,” reports stated.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education in Belize has ordered that all schools in Belize shut their doors from tomorrow in preparation for the arrival of Tropical Storm Lisa.

In a statement, the ministry said: “Schools, especially schools that serve as hurricane shelters, are asked to ensure that hurricane plans are put into effect and all property and equipment are safely secured.”